How often do I need to renew my Home Improvement Contractor Registration in Massachusetts?

The Home Improvement Contractor Registration in Massachusetts must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Home Improvement Contractor Registration in Massachusetts?

The renewal cost for a Home Improvement Contractor Registration in Massachusetts is $100.00.

Massachusetts renewal guide

Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Q: What happens if my Home Improvement Contractor Registration expires in Massachusetts?

Operating as a home improvement contractor in Massachusetts without registration is a violation of the Home Improvement Contractor Law. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and loss of lien rights.

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$100.00

Bond requirement

Insurance requirement

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
File with the board

File through Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation and pay the $100.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
2
Leave room for processing

Typical processing time is 21 days, so do not wait until the last minute.

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor Registration

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation requires home improvement contractors to register before performing residential work. This registration provides consumer protection through the Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund.

Requirements

Registration: Must register with Office of Consumer Affairs
Insurance: MGL Chapter 142A does not mandate general liability or workers' compensation insurance as a condition of HIC registration. Consumer protection is provided through the Guaranty Fund rather than insurance mandates. Contractors commonly carry insurance, but it is not a statutory registration requirement.
Business Registration: Valid Massachusetts business registration required
Application Fee: $150 initial registration

Renewal Information

Renewal Period: Every 2 years
Renewal Fee: $100 (plus Guaranty Fund fee based on company size: $100 for 0-3 employees, $200 for 4-10, $300 for 11-30, $500 for 30+)
Late Renewal: Must reapply at $150 initial registration fee if expired
Grace Period: 30 days after expiration

Scope of Work

Registered home improvement contractors may perform renovation, modernization, alteration, repair, and improvement of residential properties. Written contracts are required for work over $1,000.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without registration is a violation of the Home Improvement Contractor Law. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation. Unregistered contractors cannot file construction liens.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the MA Office of Consumer Affairs.*

Official links

Check the board or agency directly.

Official website Apply online Renew online

Required documents

Proof of Insurance
Business Registration

Source notes

Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation . Verified March 2026 via mass.gov HIC registration page.

Rules move. Check Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.